‘Ad war’ heats up between BJP, Congress in poll-bound Gujarat

By Ami Ahmedabad, Dec 2 (ANI): With little over a week to go for the Gujarat assembly elections, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party are busy disseminating their poll campaign using the medium of advertisement on television, newspapers and magazines. None of the two parties have left any stone unturned to garner maximum votes, and are trying their best to grab prime space in the media to lure voters for the two-phased elections. The parties have booked prime time on television channels and eye-catching pages of several newspapers and magazines for their poll campaign. The Congress’ advertisements portray pictures of a developed Gujarat with modern amenities. In addition, the party has launched an aggressive campaign to counter the claims made by the BJP. Congress party is publishing its advertisements in almost 70 Gujarati and English newspapers and television channels. “This time the strategy of the Congress has been pretty pro-active. We have been leading the entire, what you call, ad war,” said Vishakha Sharma Billa, Creative Head of Niksun Ad world, which is making electoral advertisements for the Congress. On the other hand, the BJP is highlighting Chief Minister Narendra Modi in their advertisement campaigns. All the BJP advertisements project Modi as a progressive man who has worked relentlessly for the development of the state over the last six years since he took office in. BJP spokesperson Yamal Vyas said, “We reach the voters through a network of activists, but advertisement is also a good medium to reach our voters.” Over 36 million voters will elect the 182-member assembly in Gujarat, as the term of the state’s legislative assembly is due to expire on December 26, 2007. The first phase of polling is scheduled on December 11 whereas the second phase of polling will take place on December 16. Counting of votes will take place on December 23. The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each. (ANI)